Imagine a cycling legend stepping out of retirement, not to race, but to reshape the sport from the sidelines. Four-time USPro champion Freddie Rodriguez, known as 'Fast Freddie' during his 19-year racing career, is back in the world of professional cycling—but this time, he’s calling the shots as co-owner and strategist for APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery. This isn’t just another comeback story; it’s a bold move to redefine how teams train, race, and develop talent. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a former racer truly transform the sport from behind the scenes? And this is the part most people miss: Rodriguez isn’t just focusing on young riders; he’s betting on experience, believing older cyclists still have what it takes to shine.
Rodriguez’s return marks his fourth foray into professional cycling, a journey that spans 11 teams across the US and Europe. Now 42, he retired in 2015 after a career highlighted by stage wins at the Giro d’Italia, Tour de Langkawi, Tour de Luxembourg, Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Rhodes. His résumé also includes near-misses at prestigious races like Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem. After years with European teams and multiple career restarts due to US-based team closures, his final race was the Team Time Trial at the 2015 Road World Championships in Richmond. Now, he’s channeling that experience into building a Continental team that challenges the status quo.
APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery makes its debut at the UCI 2.Pro Volta Comunitat Valenciana, February 4-8 in Spain, where they’ll face off against nine WorldTour squads, including the powerhouse Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe led by time trial world and Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel. It’s a baptism by fire for a team that’s barely off the ground, but Rodriguez and his co-owners—Jeff Makohon, former assistant sports director for Team Skyline, and Mike Norton, an exercise physiologist and cycling coach—are confident in their vision.
The team’s formation is a story of serendipity and shared ambition. ‘Mike and I started talking, and we thought there were potentially different ways to do [a Continental team],’ Makohon told Cyclingnews. ‘Mike had been working with Freddie on some projects, and the three paths just kind of aligned.’ Chad Plumlee, owner of Cadence Cyclery, joined to spearhead equipment sponsorships, while Chris Daggs, another Team Skyline alum, will serve as the main race director. Plumlee’s retail stores, with locations in Dallas-Fort Worth and Encinitas, California, will also play a key role in marketing and sponsorship, including bike sponsor Van Rysel.
But what sets this team apart? Rodriguez is rewriting the playbook. ‘Freddie’s the guy who’s coming up with the strategies, changing the way the team races and looks at training,’ Makohon explained. ‘He’s got a new idea around how to make a development team work—teaching riders how to race and making them marketable to bigger teams.’ The goal isn’t just to compete; it’s to build a pipeline to the top tier.
The team’s approach is inclusive, focusing on talent regardless of age. ‘The older riders provide a lot of value to the younger guys because of their experience and professionalism,’ Makohon said. ‘We still think they could get on to a bigger team.’ With a roster boasting 12 national championships and riders who’ve competed at Worlds and l’Avenir, APS Pro Cycling is poised to make waves at the Continental level.
But here’s the question that divides opinions: Can a team built on this philosophy truly compete with the giants of the sport? Rodriguez and his team are betting yes. And they’re not just stopping at racing. Cadence Cyclery will continue its involvement with a club team for juniors, men, and women, ensuring a pipeline of talent for years to come.
The 2026 roster includes a mix of American and international riders: Ethan Dunham, Liam Flanagan, Eddy Huntsman, Cian Keogh, Adam Lewis, Andrew Lydic, Conn McDunphy, Ronan O'Connor, Alex St Andre, Matthew Walls, and Patrick Welch. Each brings a unique skill set, but all share the same goal: to push boundaries and prove their worth on the global stage.
As APS Pro Cycling by Cadence Cyclery embarks on this ambitious journey, one thing is clear: Freddie Rodriguez isn’t just returning to cycling—he’s redefining it. But will his vision succeed? Only time will tell. What do you think? Can a team built on experience and innovation challenge the established order? Let us know in the comments!
